How Appointing a Power of Attorney Can Benefit Your Life


In general, estate planning benefits not only the principal’s life, but also the lives of their family members and agents. Prior planning includes wills, trusts, health care proxies, advanced health care directives and durable powers of attorney provide direction, guidelines, …

Avoiding Probate Litigation: An Attorney’s Top 5 Tips


The most basic and streamlined approach to avoiding probate litigation is planning ahead. Plans may include full, comprehensive estate plans, simple transfers of real estate, the implementation of protective measures or naming agents in the event of incapacity. Individuals with …

Managing Your Favorites in Your Estate Plan


When it comes to creating your estate plan, how do you decide who to name as fiduciaries? How do you determine how to dispose of assets when you have favorite relatives? These are common issues that typically arise in situations …

Preparing for Court: What You Need to Know About Probate


Television shows and movies show a Will being read at a funeral, as if the Will is automatically valid and assets can be distributed immediately. Unfortunately, the probate process is more complex and time intensive. This blog post will explain …

Top Six Things to Consider When Planning for Blended Families


The increase in divorce rates in the U.S. has resulted in a greater number of blended families. Blended families tend to give rise to unique estate planning circumstances and opportunities. The following should be considered when planning for blended families:…

Planning Ahead: 5 Ways to Mitigate Risk in Probate Litigation


Under the umbrella of probate litigation falls guardianship and conservatorship disputes, Will and trust contests, fights over family real estate and whether or not a gift was actually meant to be a gift. The most basic and streamlined approach to …

I Don’t Have to Worry About Estate Taxes… Right?


You do not need to be exceedingly wealthy to be impacted by the estate tax. Many of our clients are surprised to learn that tax is imposed on Massachusetts estates exceeding $1 million in value. When considering a home, retirement …